What are Carotenoids? – 5 Health Benefits

Health Information You Can Trust

We pride ourselves on being your source for the best, scientifically-accurate advice for healthy living.

This article contains references to scientific journals and peer-reviewed research. The numbers in brackets correspond with the list of references at the end of the article.

Reviewed and Approved

Additionally, the Reviewed and Approved seal signifies that our scientific board of experts has double-checked this article for accuracy. You can feel confident in knowing that the information within this article is sound.

Close

Distinguished by their orange, yellow, and red pigments, carotenoids are found in many plants, algae, and bacteria. Carotenoids act as antioxidants within the body, protecting against cellular damage, the effects of aging, and even some chronic diseases. These beneficial compounds cannot be synthesized by humans or animals, diet is the only way to get them. There are well over 600 known carotenoids, with beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and astaxanthin being the most common.

Why Are Carotenoids Important?

As antioxidants, carotenoids are helpful for protecting vision and combating cellular damage. [1] Recent studies have also identified carotenoids as paramount supporters for the cardiovascular system and male reproductive health. Lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes (among other fruits and vegetables), has even been linked to keeping the liver, prostate, breast, colon, and lungs healthy. [2]

5 Health Benefits of Consuming Carotenoids

Carotenoids have an immense value for human health, and many people are seeking ways to incorporate these health-brimming compounds into their diet. Nutritionists, physicians, and health organizations all recommend a diet high in antioxidants, including those that are derived from carotenoids. Here are 5 of the most pronounced benefits of carotenoids.

1. Supports Eye Health

Do you remember adults telling you as a child that carrots were good for your eyes? As it turns out, this statement is founded in scientific truth. Carrots are an excellent source of carotenoids, including retinol and pro-vitamin A, both of which have therapeutic value for degenerative diseases of the retina. [3]

2. Cardiovascular Health

Population-based studies have demonstrated that carotenoids are effective for supporting cardiovascular health. Other nutrients that work together with carotenoids for protecting heart health include glutathione, vitamin E, and vitamin C. These findings have been echoed in numerous studies. [4]

3. Possible Anti-Tumor Properties?

It would be premature and overzealous to say that carotenoids prevent cancer, but it is known that carotenoids contain acetylenics, a group of metabolites known for combating tumor development. They also have action against harmful organisms and support the immune system. The combination of these properties have been so effective for fighting bacteria and immune-related infections that researchers are exploring their cytotoxic effects on multiple types of cancer. [5]

4. Male Fertility

The antioxidant effect of carotenoids may protect sperm health, according a recent 2013 study. This research found that carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, and zinc notably improved the participants’ chances of becoming pregnant. [6] These nutrients can be accessed easily with a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

5. Skin Health

Studies have reported that the carotenoids beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin protect skin, tissue, and cells from environmental toxins and disease. Recent research has demonstrated that non-provitamin A carotenoids, such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin, also have protective benefits for the skin. [7] To best support skin health, experts recommend vitamin A carotenoids from fresh vegetables and colorful fruits.

Maximize Your Carotenoid Intake

Vitamin A is considered a fat-soluble nutrient, and consuming foods containing vitamin A with fat (like grass-fed butter, coconut oil, or olive oil) increases its bioavailability. Chopping and cooking the vegetables also enhances nutrient uptake, further increasing the chances your body will use the compounds efficiently.

Best Sources of Carotenoids

Carotenoids are found in orange, yellow, and red fruits and vegetables, like pumpkin, carrots, and tomatoes. For beta-carotene, carrots and pumpkins are forefront; however, spinach, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and dandelion greens also represent excellent sources.

Tomatoes are renowned for their lycopene content, and often recommended as a health-fortifying food. You may be surprised to learn that watermelon and grapefruit are also excellent sources of lycopene. Dark, green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, contain high quantities of lutein and zeaxanthin. If you're not following a vegan or vegetarian diet, liver and eggs are two of the most bioavailable animal sources of these beneficial nutrients. [8]

What are your favorite carotenoid-rich vegetables and fruits? Leave us a comment below to let us know!

†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.

36 responses to “What are Carotenoids? – 5 Health Benefits”

I’d like to emphasize that carotenoids are exceptional for preventing photo-aging and enhancing resistance to sunlight. Intake of 10-20 mg/day of mixed carotenoids can enhance tolerance to sunlight by nearly 50%.

Avoid the synthetic/isolated beta-carotene found in most multivitamins, since it is known to increase the risk of cancer and shorten life-expectancy. These side-effects are not seen with plant-extracted carotenoids.

[…] compounds in tomatoes is lycopene, and for very good reason. A number of studies point to lycopene’s ability to protect against free radicals brought on by too much sunlight exposure. [6] Organic tomato paste appears to show the highest […]

[…] study, individuals who consumed whole eggs with raw vegetables increased their absorption of carotenoids, important antioxidants that help protect the body from cellular damage. Another economical food […]

[…] tons of iron, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and protein, Moringa can also be excessive in carotenoids comparable to this carotene. In reality, some folks have even claimed that moringa leaves comprise […]

[…] which are also indicative of some kind of vitamin A content, which is produced in our gut by some carotenoids when consumed, not because the vegetables have the vitamin, but rather they just give us the raw […]

[…] cells, protecting against the effects of aging, and helping with some chronic diseases (read more here). Lycopene specifically reduces stroke risk and has anti-cancers properties, and is especially […]

[…] It’s a legume belonging to the peanut family. The seeds are commonly referred to as beans, probably because of their size and shape, but that’s misleading. Lupin is definitely a seed. Very widely consumed in Mediterranean and Asian countries, the seeds are usually packaged in brine. You have to discard the inedible outer shell in order to eat the kernel inside. They have a very bland taste, kind of flour-y, but are a good snack choice because they are high in protein and fibre. Like chia and hemp seeds, they provide the full range of essential amino acids and contain substantial amounts of antioxidant Vitamin E as well as carotenoids. […]

[…] Carotenoids are plant pigments responsible for the yellow, orange, and red color of many fruits and vegetables, including red peppers, papayas, paprika, tomatoes, and watermelon. There are more than 750 types of carotenoids, the one you’re probably most familiar with is beta-carotene. Beta-carotene gives carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes their rich orange pigmentation. Beta-carotene also offers a number of health benefits; the human body even converts it into vitamin A. Other carotenoids include alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene.[8] […]

[…] and heart disease. Carotenoids have been linked to increased eye health, male fertility, and cardiovascular health, while Bioflavonoids enhance the properties of vitamin C to better support blood circulation, as an […]

[…] is some Greek alphabet practice: what do α-Carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin have in common? They're all carotenoids, or pigments found in a medley of carrots, peppers, tomatoes, pumpkins, collard greens and even […]

[…] cells, protecting against the effects of aging, and helping with some chronic diseases (read more here). Lycopene specifically reduces stroke risk and has anti-cancers properties, and is especially […]

[…] compounds in tomatoes is lycopene, and for very good reason. A number of studies point to lycopene’s ability to protect against free radicals brought on by too much sunlight exposure. Organic tomato paste appears to show the highest levels […]

[…] called free radicals in the body that are believed to cause serious diseases such as cancer, called carotenoids. Carotenoids is a molecule that can help support eye health, cardiovascular health, fertility, skin […]

[…] Like fat, every type of cholesterol is not harmful. You can take a diet containing good cholesterol. For example, there is a good cholesterol in the yellow part of the egg, so instead of just eating the white part of the egg, you can also eat yellow portion comfortably. It is also a source of Vitamin E and Carotenoids. […]

[…] Arugula, Avocado, and Tomato Salad is the perfect food for a satisfying, indulging and refreshing experience. This recipe is rich in avocado which promotes hair growth and increases the body’s natural ability to absorb the carotenoids. […]

All testimonials and product reviews are authentic from actual customers. Documentation is available for legal inspection. Product reviews are within range of typicality.
Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor. Global Healing does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Global Healing are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician. This Web site contains links to Web sites operated by other parties. Such links are provided for your convenience and reference only. We are not responsible for the content or products of any linked site or any link contained in a linked site. Global Healing does not adopt any medical claims which may have been made in 3rd party references. Where Global Healing has control over the posting or other communications of such claims to the public, Global Healing will make its best effort to remove such claims.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.